HLM Overview

HLM(Hierarchical Linear Modeling) is not general purpose statistical software. It is a program for estimating hierarchical linear model with two or three level data structures. A fairly high level of statistical sophistication is required to use HLM effectively.

HLM is "Special Request" and "Department" software and therefore UITS only offers limited support for this software.

Windows version of HLM is currently available in the UITS Student Technology Centers.

HLM Program Functionality:

Breadth of Functionality: Good

Some of the capabilities of HLM include:

Two-level models with HLM (linear models) 
Three-level models with HLM (linear models) 
Two-level models with HGLM (non-linear analysis) 
Three-level models with HGLM (non-linear models) 
V-known models 
Plausible Value Analysis

Reliability and Robustness: Good

There are no known bugs in HLM. The vendor tries to fix the errors as soon as they are reported.

State of the Art: Fair

The latest version of HLM is running on UITS computers. This is regarded as the best release yet.

User Friendliness: Poor

HLM is not regarded as the most friendly software, or as having the most intuitive command language. However, researchers interested in hierarchical models could use it with a little bit of effort.

HLM Help Resources:

Network-based help: Fair

The vendor's web site has answers to few basic questions asked about HLM.

Program's Help System: Fair

HLM's help menu provides limited support. For most part reading the manual and talking with a colleague or consultant is the best way to get help with HLM program.

HLM Program Availability:

Windows version of HLM is available in the UITS Student Technology Centers. For details, see the Statistics Software Availability page.

UITS may offer this software for personal and departmental purchases. See the Sales page for more information.

HLM Training and Support:

Document Availability: Fair

The Stat/Math Center possesses a set of HLM documentation for reference. Documents may be purchased directly from the vendor (Scientific Software International, Inc., 7383 N Lincoln Ave, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60646-1704; 800/675-0720).

Training Availability: Poor

There are no UITS coordinated training available for HLM. Those who want to get started with HLM may contact the UITS Stat/Math Center. HLM is used by a number of faculty at IU as a computing tool in the course they offer.

User Group: No

There are no local user groups for HLM.

UITS Consulting Support: Limited Support

HLM is categorized as a faculty sponsored software for support. That is, instructors who use this software for instruction are responsible for consulting support. However, limited consulting support is available from Stat/Math Consulting. Appointment is recommended for walkin consulting.

Other Consulting Support: Fair

Since UITS is providing only limited support for HLM students using the software as part of their coursework should contact their instructors first for help. Registered HLM users can contact the vendor directly for help. HLM users can always turn to their colleagues who are familiar with the software for help.